Announcements

EDMONTON, Oct. 20, 2012 - The newly-appointed Asia Advisory Council is ready to get down to business on helping Alberta expand its economic and cultural relations with Asia - a critical part of the province's plan to expand market access to ensure continued prosperity for the province's export-based economy.

Nine members were named to the council by an Order in Council. Joining International and Intergovernmental Relations Associate Minister Teresa Woo-Paw, who was named as Chair of the council in June, are:

• lawyer and small business owner Thomas Walter, who was named Vice Chair of the council;
• Edmonton-Manning MLA Peter Sandhu;
• Beijing-based business advisor Margaret Cornish;
• founder and President and CEO of an international development consultancy,
  Robert Francis;
• President of the Canada China Business Council Peter Harder;
• Director of the China institute of the University of Alberta and Professor of Political Science Gordon Houlden;
• prominent Alberta businessman Ray Price;
• former Canadian High Commissioner to India and Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Sutherland; and
• energy company CEO John Zahary.

"I'm very pleased with the breadth and scope of experience these members bring to the council," said International and Intergovernmental Relations Minister Cal Dallas. "They represent a wide variety of sectors, including business, energy, culture, academia and public policy. I am looking forward to hearing from this esteemed group of individuals to further grow Alberta's economic and cultural ties to Asia."

One of the first items on the group's agenda will be to add two ex-officio positions to the council, to be filled by a representative from the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association and the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties. The municipal representatives will provide links into Alberta's communities.

The council will then set about meeting its mandate of providing ongoing strategic advice on pursuing new market opportunities and supporting market entry for Alberta exporters as well as promoting Alberta as an attractive destination for international investment. The council will also provide advice on facilitating improved communication and partnership among the Government of Alberta, industry, academia and cultural organizations.

"This is a group with demonstrated business acumen and insight into Asia. Their expert recommendations and advice will help my ministry better understand the intricacies of relationship-building in Asia, and ultimately help Alberta achieve its goal of expanded market access," said Dallas.

The council is being met with enthusiasm by Alberta's honey-producing industry, which exports its product to Asia.

"The Alberta honey industry has seen monumental growth in Japan over the past four years, due in large part to the partnership between government and industry," said Lee Townsend, Vice President of the Beekeepers Commission of Alberta.

"This collaboration led to our industry acquiring 90% of all Canadian honey sales to Japan, which in turn contributed to Canada becoming the second largest supplier of honey to the Japanese marketplace. With the strategic advice of the newly formed Asia Advisory Council, the Alberta government will continue to offer leading edge guidance to both established and potential business opportunities within the Asian market."

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada joined in congratulating the Government of Alberta. "We applaud the establishment of the Alberta Asia Advisory Council and Premier Redford's commitment to deeper ties across the Pacific," said Yuen Pau Woo, President and CEO of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. "The Alberta Asia Advisory Council is an important step in building Asia awareness and skills in the province, and in providing leadership on Canada-Asia relations more broadly."

Council members serve in a volunteer capacity and are not remunerated for their participation.

Backgrounder: Council member biographies

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Mark Cooper
Press Secretary
International and Intergovernmental Relations
780-984-0434 (cell)
780-422-1022
[email protected]

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.